The driver attached to the Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Mr. Samuel Bernard, was shot during an armed robbery attack on Monday evening in Akure.
According to OSOPADEC’s Information Officer, Mr. Godwin Ewata, Bernard had just returned from an official trip with the chairman to the riverine areas of the state.
Shortly after dropping off the commission’s official vehicle, Bernard drove home in his personal car but was ambushed by armed assailants.
The attackers reportedly shot him, inflicted a machete wound on his head, and made away with his car. They also seized the keys to the chairman’s vehicle and some sensitive documents that Bernard had in his possession.
Fortunately, the vehicle was equipped with a tracking device. With the help of community members, the car, its keys, and the documents were recovered after a swift pursuit of the robbers.
Bernard was immediately rushed to the State General Hospital, where he underwent an X-ray and received medical attention. He is said to be in stable condition and recuperating.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over insecurity in Akure. While praising residents for their quick intervention, Ewata disclosed that investigations are ongoing, though no arrests have been made so far.
